School Handbook
Containing the Policies, Procedures, and Regulations of:
Peace Lutheran School
1611 30th Ave W
Bradenton, Florida 34205
(941) 747-6753 (phone and fax)
Sharing the Peace of Christ
TABLE OF CONTENT
TABLE OF CONTENT
“SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST”
FACULTY OF PEACE LUTHERAN SCHOOL
BOARD FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
MISSION STATEMENT
FOREWORD
AFFILIATION
RECOGNITION
ADMINISTRATION
PURPOSE OF OUR SCHOOL
GOALS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
HOME AND SCHOOL COOPERATION
TUITION AND FINANCING
TUITION PAYMENT OPTIONS:
TUITION POLICY
Non-member Tuition Policy:
SCHOOL HOURS
CHECK IN/CHECK OUT PROCEDURE
ABSENCES
LATE ARRIVAL/TARDIES
CURRICULUM
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
PARENT’S PROVISIONS FOR ENROLLMENT
KINDERGARTEN ELIGIBILITY
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
ENROLLMENT PROCEDURE
RULES OF CONDUCT
CHRISTIAN DISCIPLINE
Conduct that will cause disciplinary action are but not limited to:
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS
SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT
OBJECTIONABLE ITEMS
FIELD TRIPS
TRANSPORTATION
PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES BY STUDENTS
ATHLETICS & CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
ATHLETICS
STUDENT ATHLETE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
TRAVEL REGULATIONS
DRESS CODE
LICE/NIT POLICY
FRIDAY FLYER
HOME VISITS/BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
ACADEMIC REPORTING AND RECORDS
HOMEWORK
CURRICULUM AND ACHIEVEMENT TESTING
SOLICITATIONS
SCHOOL TELEPHONE USAGE
HEALTH
MEDICATIONS
All medication to be administered requires:
SINGING IN CHURCH
SCHOOL PROPERTY
THEFT
SEARCH AND SEIZURE
Authority to Conduct a Search
PARENT/GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT
PEACE LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Established 1970
“SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST”
Dear Parents,
Peace Lutheran School has the great blessing of being part of a rich history of schools established for a very basic purpose: to train children in the Word of God. For generations, schools just like Peace have shared the wonderful news of what God has done for his people here on earth. For more than half a century, Peace Lutheran School itself has also been carrying out that task.
We are excited that you are able to be with us as the Lord guides us on. He surely has wonderful things in store for us! Let us all ask our heavenly father to be with us this coming school year and all the years to come, as we continue to share the Peace of Christ!
This school is a full-time educational institution, affording to every child that which cannot be found in any public establishment of its kind--A BALANCED PROGRAM for the SOUL, the BODY, and the MIND of the child.
We believe that an education without Christ is an education without foundation and purpose. We believe that all education, and this includes history, science, mathematics, English, and all other subjects, must be taught in harmony with God's inspired and errorless Word. Our goals then are a solid basic education in all branches of secular learning and a solid spiritual and moral training based upon the unmovable foundation of the Holy Scriptures.
Part of educating the whole child (soul, mind and body) is realizing that each child is unique. God blesses each of us with different talents and abilities. At Peace Lutheran, the faculty recognizes this truth and educates the children with this in mind. Each child’s unique spiritual, academic, physical, and emotional needs are recognized and met to the best of the staff’s ability.
The staff and BOE at Peace Lutheran recognizes that some children have special needs beyond those of other children. Since we recognize that each child is different we will determine on an individual basis if the staff is equipped to best meet these special needs.
In addition to the staff nurturing each student as a unique child of God, the children are led to recognize their own special place in God’s kingdom. Each child is encouraged to realize that he/she has been given gifts and talents in accordance with God’s gracious purpose for his/her life. Rather than comparing themselves with their peers, the students are guided to God’s Word for the measuring line in their life. In the Bible, the children receive guidance regarding how to use their talents and abilities to honor God.
The staff at Peace Lutheran looks forward to the opportunity to work with you and your child.
Mr. David Zuberbier, Principal
FACULTY OF PEACE LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Rev. John Maasch, Pastor224-9031
David Zuberbier (BS-ED), Principal, Grades 6-8773-5813
Amy Mehnert (MA-Ed), Grades 3-5962-4395
Suzanne Hough (BS-Ed), Grades K-2756-5536
BOARD FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Mr. Randy Nottling(303) 307-4902
Mr. Jeff Zarr(602) 524-6682
Lorenzo RedikerN/A
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
Peace Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national and ethnic origin or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships, loan programs, athletic and other school administered programs.
MISSION STATEMENT
Compelled by the love of Christ and the hope of heaven, Peace Lutheran School exists to educate, equip, and encourage students for lives of Christian service for our congregation and the community, both spiritually and academically, through excellence in Christ-centered education.
Student
FOREWORD
As parents/legal guardians and Christian teachers, our concern is the upbringing of children who have come to know and to love their Savior, Jesus Christ. It is to Him alone that we give praise and glory as we work together in the training of the children He has given to us. This handbook has been prepared to further acquaint you with our school and its daily operation. Please feel free to contact any member of the staff for further information.
AFFILIATION
Peace Lutheran School is owned and operated by Peace Lutheran Church of Bradenton, Florida. Peace Lutheran Church is a member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). Its supervision is directly under the Board for Parish Education of the congregation.
There are more than 730 WELS schools serving over 35,000 children in all parts of the United States as well as the world, which are staffed by more than 2,400 called teachers. The teachers in these schools, as well as in our school, have received their education degree from accredited Lutheran colleges. Specialized instructors may be used in certain areas, such as religion (namely, the congregational pastor), music, and art. The WELS operates one of the largest private school systems in the United States.
RECOGNITION
Peace Lutheran School is recognized by the State of Florida as a viable private Christian school. All faculty members have earned, at a minimum, a Bachelor of Science in Education degree and are certified at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota, which is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
ADMINISTRATION
Peace Lutheran School is at all times under the control and supervision of the voters’ assembly of Peace Lutheran Church. The Board for Parish Education (BPE) is elected by the congregation to handle the administration of the school. The pastor and principal serve as ex-officio members on the BPE. The various members of the board work in close cooperation to determine and adopt policies that affect the operation of Peace Lutheran School. All policies are subject to congregational approval. The BPE has the duty of seeing to it that our school does justice to its task of offering its children a thorough Christian instruction in all subject areas. The principal’s primary function is to implement and follow through on all school policies.
PURPOSE OF OUR SCHOOL
As concerned Christians, we pray that their faith and love for their Savior will enable them to face the many challenges and overcome the many temptations that will confront them in future years.
We take great comfort in the Lord's command and the promise that says, “Train a child in the way he should go and even when he is old he will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6). We encourage non-member parents to become members in good standing at Peace Lutheran and to take an active role in our school program.
GOALS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
In offering our children a sound Christian education, we are providing them with answers to life's most profound questions:
Where did we come from?
Why are we here?
Where are we going?
Our primary goal is to equip every student with the ability to correctly answer these questions. The answers to these questions (found in the Bible) are the key to each student's successful existence in society as a Christian and also to the life hereafter. Here, then, is the essence of the children's Christian training:
- We teach that God is the Creator and Preserver of the universe and all people.
- We want our pupils to know and believe in Jesus, their Savior. Through the teachings of the Law, and the Gospel message.
- We guide pupils in Christian living out of love for their Savior.
- We also encourage stewardship of time and talents and strive to instill in each child a love for work in God's kingdom.
- We teach all subjects in the light of God's Word.
- We teach children that all people are unique and special members of God's creation. Thus, our children are taught to respect the rights of others – at home, in the classroom, on the playground, or wherever they might be – at all times demonstrating concern for the spiritual and physical well-being of others.
- We seek to give guidance to all parents by helping to train the children in the virtues of Christian obedience and character. To that end, we furthermore encourage parents to develop an active church life and Christ-centered home life.
HOME AND SCHOOL COOPERATION
The Lord's encouragement is clear: “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”(Deuteronomy 6:6.7) Parents and teachers seek to join hands so that this work can be done efficiently and effectively. Let us all dedicate ourselves anew to this important work of preparing our children for their eternal future. When school-related concerns or questions arise, parents are instructed to go directly to the teacher involved. If a problem arises that cannot be resolved with the teacher, the next person to contact would be the principal, then the pastor, and as a last resort the Board for Parish Education. By following these orderly steps, we are heeding Jesus' guidelines and seeking his blessing as recorded for us in Matthew 18:15-17. Working together, we can seek to resolve all problems in a God-pleasing way.
Please bring any comments, questions, or complaints to the attention of the teacher involved and the principal after school hours. The faculty will listen and deal with the situation accordingly.
TUITION AND FINANCING
All textbooks provided are the property of the school. All workbooks used in the classroom belong to the individual student and are covered in school tuition. Each student will purchase required religion books on Registration Night.
Whether paying in full or paying monthly, the first payment must be made on or before the first day of school or the child/children may not be allowed to attend classes. If an account becomes 60 (sixty) days past due, the child’s/children’s enrollment may be discontinued.
Members of Peace who are unable to pledge the full amount for their child’s/children’s Christian education may apply for Tuition Assistance from Peace congregation.
The Board for Parish Education has approved and updated tuition and payment plans for the current school year but has the right to change or amend tuition with proper notice (30 days). The fee schedule is available from the Principal. Please pick one of the options below when deciding how to finance your child’s education.
TUITION PAYMENT OPTIONS:
- Payment in full prior to start of school.
- Initial payment up front, remainder paid in 10 equal monthly payments.
- Entire tuition amount paid in 10 equal monthly payments
Payment arrangements MUST BE MADE PRIOR TO STUDENT ATTENDING SCHOOL. Payments should begin no later than August.
If you become financially unable to meet tuition costs, you are encouraged to file a confidential financial disclosure form with an accompanying letter of explanation to the Principal and Board for Parish Education. The letter may be given to either the principal or the Board for Parish Education chairman. The Board will discuss your request in a private and confidential manner at its next regularly scheduled meeting and present you with a proposal. A mutual decision will then be reached between the parties on how to handle tuition payments from that point on. We strongly encourage parents/legal guardians to speak with the principal or Board for Parish Education chairman if a legitimate financial problem makes it difficult to keep your child/children enrolled at Peace Lutheran.
Please note: There will be no registration refunds for absentees or early withdrawals. A pro-rated tuition agreement will be negotiated with those who must move away.
TUITION POLICY
Member Tuition Policy: Members of the Peace Lutheran Church in Bradenton, FL maybe provided with a tuition credit. In order to qualify for this reduced rate, the member student(s) and at least one parent or guardian must attend at least 50% of all regular weekly worship services at Peace Lutheran Church each semester.Should a member family fail to meet this guideline, their member tuition credit status may be revoked and they will be billed at non-member rates for the following semester.
Non-member Tuition Policy:All non-member students are charged a tuition fee. The tuition fee is due according to the Schedule of Fees for that year. Non-members in the process of changing their membership to a WELS church shall be charged the non-member fee until officially taken into membership.
Payment Information:
- Parents may elect to make 10 equal tuition payments instead of one lump sum payment. If they so elect, tuition fees are due the first of every month for ten months (August-May).
- Arrangements for a different schedule of payment can be made with prior approval of the Board for Parish Education. A $40 late charge will be assessed on the 10th of each month if the payment has not been received (unless other arrangements have been made).
- A current bank rate service fee of $36 will be assessed on all checks returned for insufficient funds.
- If accounts remain delinquent one month after your payment is due, diplomas, and report cards may be withheld until payment is made in full.
- Families with accounts delinquent may not be allowed to enroll their children for the next school year until the balance has been paid in full.
Any scholarship received is put towards tuition only and possible tutoring services. Scholarships will not cover fees. To make your payment, make your check or money order out toPeace Lutheran School and either drop it off in the school office or mail it to the following address:
Peace Lutheran Church and School
1611 30th Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205
SCHOOL HOURS
Classroom doors open at 8:00 AM; classes begin promptly at 8:15 AM. If children need to be dropped off prior to 8:00 AM they will wait inside the courtyard until the classrooms are opened. Classes begin promptly at 8:15 AM.
The noon lunch and recess period begins at 11:45 AM.
All grades dismiss at 3:00 PM. Students not picked up by 3:15 PM will be directed into the After-School Daycare.
When picking up and dropping off children at school use the west entrance and exit from the east driveway.
Children may not leave the school grounds without permission during school hours or before their transportation arrives at the end of the day. School policy and the safety dictate that the teachers know where the students are at all times.
CHECK IN/CHECK OUT PROCEDURE
We have a procedure that requires parents to sign children in or out if they are late or need to leave early for any reason.
To prevent mishaps or injuries, especially to our students, please follow these drop-off and pick-up procedures:
- ALWAYS drive slowly and cautiously when entering and leaving the school parking lot.
- If arriving late, escort your child to their classroom.
- If picking up early, enter through the front gate and go to your child’s classroom.
- Please pass these instructions on to any persons authorized to pick up your child.
Children are not released from after school care until a parent or other authorized person signs out the child/children.